Bellaire area drivers who have had their licenses suspended for failing to pay state-mandated surcharges now have the opportunity to take advantage of a one-time payment amnesty and restore their driving privileges.
The amnesty period began Jan. 17 and continues through April 17.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will offer lower payments to individuals who have been suspended and are in default on their surcharges.
The goal of the amnesty period is to bring drivers into compliance with the surcharge law, and allow them to become licensed and insured. The amnesty reduction does not apply to any other fees that may be owed to the state.
Those eligible for the amnesty program are anyone who had a surcharge assessed between Sept. 30, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2008, and were delinquent on those payments. Surcharges meeting that criteria must be in default before the amnesty period.
Those who qualify for the Amnesty Program will pay 10 percent of the original amount owed for all surcharges combined, for a maximum amount of $250. Service fees will still apply.
Any payments already made will be applied to the reduced amount, and if prior payments are more than the reduced amount due, no payment will be required. Prior payments more than the reduced amount due will not be refunded.
For more information or to apply for the amnesty program, go to the surcharge website at www.txsurchargeonline.com or call 1-877-207-3170. No requests will be accepted by mail, e-mail or fax.
Once the online or telephone application is approved, the surcharge suspensions will be cleared on the applicant’s driving record within three business days. Applicants will be provided the reduced amount to pay, and they can begin making payments after three business days.
Applicants for the amnesty program can pay in full or make payments, but the full amount must be paid by April 17. If payment in full is not received by April 17, 2011, the reduction is voided and the suspensions are put back on the driving record.
Facebook Comments